10th Parliament· 154 sittings on record · 30,475 speeches · latest 10 June 2026

Hon. Bimal Rathnayake, M.P.

Jathika Jana balawegaya (JJB)· National List

Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development and Leader of the House of Parliament

Profession: Politician

Roster profile ↗
Speeches 1,262 #1 of 225·#1 in party
Attendance 8/8 days present (of recorded)
Top topic Parliamentary Procedure 955 speeches
Last spoke 10 June 2026 in Debate

Activity by sitting

140 sittings · counts only, no scoring.

Topic focus

AI summary AI-assigned tags, 1–3 per speech. Counts only — not a score.

Speech history

1,262 speeches
  • 7 January 2025 AI summary Attention was drawn to the matter raised, and the Member was asked to submit the specific issue in writing rather than raising it as a question in the Chamber. It was stated that a required response would then be provided. Oral Question: Proposed Flyover over Kirulapona Junction Funding (Q.242/2024) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
  • 7 January 2025 AI summary No new decision has been taken to proceed with the proposed flyover. The Ministry instead intends to widen Baseline Road up to Dutugemunu Junction and along the 120 bus route, with works expected to continue where compensation has already been paid so that those payments are not wasted. Oral Question: Proposed Flyover over Kirulapona Junction Funding (Q.242/2024) Infrastructure Read →
  • 7 January 2025 AI summary In response to a question on a proposed flyover project, Bimal Rathnayake stated that it is not currently being implemented because the Cabinet-appointed RAMP Committee decided on 10 November 2022 not to proceed, due to the inability to secure domestic funding amid the economic crisis. He added that no decision has been made on whether to construct the flyover or on any funding source, and related follow-up matters are therefore not applicable. Oral Question: Proposed Flyover over Kirulapona Junction Funding (Q.242/2024) InfrastructurePublic Finance Read →
  • 7 January 2025 AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake responded to a request from the Chairman of the Committee on Public Finance, stating that the matter was reasonable and that the Government agreed to provide technical officers. He proposed that the Speaker, the Committee Chairman, and relevant participants discuss and determine the appropriate method and process for obtaining such support. Committee Report: Public Finance Committee on Mid-Year Fiscal Position Parliamentary Procedure Read →
  • 18 December 2024 AI summary Bimal Rathnayake moved the adjournment of Parliament. The motion “That Parliament do now adjourn” was proposed for consideration. Procedural: Adjournment Parliamentary Procedure Read →
  • 18 December 2024 AI summary Bimal Rathnayake rejected attempts by some Opposition members to associate Hon. Ramanathan Archchuna with the Government, stating that Archchuna’s grievance appeared to be about not receiving speaking time. He said Archchuna had emerged at the Leader of the Opposition’s Kilinochchi rally rather than from the Government’s platform, and cautioned Opposition members against making such claims. Debate: Supplementary Estimate – Head 102, Programme 01 (School Supplies Grant) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
  • 18 December 2024 AI summary Bimal Rathnayake noted that the Leader of the Opposition had indicated he would table certain certificates the following day, but Parliament would not be sitting then. He suggested the statement should be made formally into the microphone rather than conveyed personally. Debate: Supplementary Estimate – Head 102, Programme 01 (School Supplies Grant) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
  • 18 December 2024 AI summary Bimal Rathnayake proposed, in line with an agreement with the Opposition, that the sitting of the House on 18 December 2024 be extended by one hour. Debate: Supplementary Estimate – Head 102, Programme 01 (School Supplies Grant) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
  • 18 December 2024 AI summary A procedural motion was moved to adjourn Parliament at the end of the sitting until 9.30 a.m. on Tuesday, 7 January 2025. The motion was put to the House and agreed to. Adjournment Motion Parliamentary Procedure Read →
  • 18 December 2024 AI summary Bimal Rathnayake stated that, after observing the relevant parties’ conduct, the matter would be discussed with the President. Procedural Matters and Points of Order Parliamentary Procedure Read →
  • 18 December 2024 AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake stated that the future conduct of the person addressed would be assessed based on their actions. The remark functioned as a caution that subsequent behaviour would be subject to scrutiny or evaluation. Procedural Matters and Points of Order Parliamentary Procedure Read →
  • 18 December 2024 AI summary Bimal Rathnayake stated the Government’s position on parliamentary committee chairmanships, noting that COPA has been allocated to the Opposition and that Standing Orders place the Committee on Public Finance under the Opposition. He said COPE, given its mandate to examine institutional performance and past financial and administrative irregularities, should be chaired by the Government. Procedural Matters and Points of Order Parliamentary Procedure Read →
  • 18 December 2024 AI summary Bimal Rathnayake addressed the scheduling of parliamentary proceedings, noting that discussions would be held with the Opposition leadership before informing the House of any decision. He said the impact on officials, costs, and time lost due to conduct in the Chamber should be considered, and proposed using the lunch interval to consult and decide how to proceed. Procedural Matters and Points of Order Parliamentary Procedure Read →
  • 18 December 2024 AI summary Bimal Rathnayake informed the Speaker that, following discussions with the Chief Opposition Whip, they would advise the House on the amount of additional time proposed to be allocated. Procedural Matters and Points of Order Parliamentary Procedure Read →
  • 18 December 2024 AI summary The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake stated that the matter could not be answered on that day and indicated that proper notice would be expected in future. Procedural Matters and Points of Order Parliamentary Procedure Read →
  • 18 December 2024 AI summary Under Standing Order 27(2), Bimal Rathnayake stated that the question should have been submitted with prior notice to the Minister of Health, as required for urgent public questions from the Leader of the Opposition or a recognized party leader. He said the Health Minister had not received such notice, so a substantive reply could not be provided that day. Procedural Matters and Points of Order Parliamentary Procedure Read →
  • 18 December 2024 AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake raised a procedural objection, stating that the Member’s concerns about unfairness and opposition facilities had been recorded but that he was speaking beyond the text submitted. He asked the Speaker to direct the Member to adhere to the Standing Orders. Procedural Matters and Points of Order Parliamentary Procedure Read →
  • 18 December 2024 AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake stated that if details of the cheque in question are provided, a special investigation will be conducted. He also said an administrative arrangement is being developed to legally allocate equipment to the Road Development Authority and to deploy skilled former staff to other projects when required. Oral Questions (Questions 1–10) Corruption & Governance Reform Read →
  • 18 December 2024 AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake explained that Maga Neguma is technically and legally closed, with most employees having retired under a VRS or been compulsorily retired by the previous Government. He said 63 staff were retained to handle pending cases, assets, contractor payments, equipment, and possible transfer matters involving the Road Development Authority. He noted that arbitration costs are about Rs. 3 million per month and said any review would require examining court orders and resolving the matters lawfully after discussions. Oral Questions (Questions 1–10) Public FinanceJustice & Human Rights Read →
  • 18 December 2024 AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake answered a question regarding Maga Neguma, confirming that the company owns vehicles and current assets, and tabling annexures with details. He stated that the Cabinet decided on 20 March 2023 to wind up Maga Neguma and its three subsidiaries, and that legal proceedings, including Case No. HC (Civil) 32/2023/CO, are ongoing. He reported litigation expenses of Rs. 13,964,027.30 up to 22 July 2024 and arbitration payments of Rs. 3,015,000 as of 13 September 2024, with supporting annexures tabled. Oral Questions (Questions 1–10) Public Finance Read →